Can Xylitol Actually Help You Skip Dental Cleanings? Yes!

Conventional wisdom says sweet stuff is bad for your teeth —and that’s certainly true when it comes to sugars in sodas, candy, snacks and processed food. But what if I could show you an ingredient that’s (almost) as sweet as sugar that can help prevent cavities, balance your oral microbiome, and remineralize your teeth!

I’ve been using xylitol toothpaste for over 2 years – and love what it’s doing for my teeth – so I just bought my first bag of granulated xylitol and Spry cinnamon mints to follow the recommendations below. Here’s why:

Gum/Periodontal Disease

Approximately 66% of adults in the US have gum disease. Plaque, caused by oral streptococcus mutans, irritates the gums and makes them bleed. Eventually, there is deeper inflammation and it undermines the tissues (creating pockets) and loosens bone that supports the teeth.

• Periodontal disease is painless and rarely diagnosed.

• Sharing utensil and glasses can spread the transmissible bacteria streptococcus mutans to others in the family, and from spouse to spouse and parent to child.

• Bacteria of gum disease generate rampant inflammation and increase risk for high blood pressure, stroke and even heart attack.

Dr. Ellie Phillips tells us how she helps people stop cavities and heal gum disease naturally and avoid teeth cleanings using Xylitol. She’s been teaching how since 2012.

Interesting and informative 11 minutes.

[Caveat #1: Though I share her video with you, I  do not recommend the rest of the protocol on her website. She recommends all the conventional dental products like Crest, Listerine, ACT, etc., most of which contain fluoride, natural flavors, preservatives, polysorbate 20 and 80, and food dyes, which I would run from.]

Xylitol, on the other hand, is naturally occurring in human metabolism (not an artificial sweetener), has 40% less calories than sugar, has a glycemic index of 10, is an energy source, prevents ear and upper respiratory infections, and more. (source slide #5)

[Caveat #2: I am NOT promoting xylitol to sweeten food or drinks. Use only the small amounts necessary for cleaning up plaque as directed. Higher amounts can cause stomach upset and people with neurological issues should be careful with xylitol. (I plan not to swallow it and to “Swish and Spit” it out – as long as it coats the teeth and gums for a few minutes after all meals and snacks.]

Five Ways Xylitol Benefits Your Dental Health

1: Xylitol Fights Plaque

The bacteria that form plaque (oral streptococcus mutans) love to eat sugar—it’s their favorite food. If you swish your teeth or brush with a xylitol-based toothpaste at the end of each meal, plaque won’t get anything to eat. Since plaque can’t digest xylitol, the bacteria will starve and die before they can build up and turn into plaque or tartar. Xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth, so they get washed away by your saliva before they can start forming plaque.

2: Xylitol Prevents Acid Attacks

In the process of digesting sugar, the bacteria in plaque release harmful acids that attack your teeth and gums. These acids cause tiny holes in your enamel that eventually turn into cavities. They also cause the gum inflammation that leads to gingivitis.

3: Xylitol Fights Cavities

Xylitol prevents cavities from forming and keeps any existing cavities from getting bigger. (source)

4: Xylitol Repairs  & REMINERALIZES Tooth Enamel

Remineralization is normally considered to be a slow process. However, this study found that consistent xylitol use resulted in significant remineralization in just three weeks. Because xylitol is pH neutral, it helps repair damaged enamel by making your saliva more alkaline. Balancing the pH of your saliva creates an environment that promotes remineralization, and it’s easier for minerals like calcium and phosphate to reach your tooth enamel and strengthen it. 

The boost of saliva flow you get from xylitol is great for dry mouth relief, and you don’t need to swallow it to get relief. Ditch the dry mouth sprays and lozenges that are loaded with artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors. Xylitol on its own can significantly reduce symptoms of dry mouth.

5: Xylitol Freshens Your Breath

Bacteria in plaque digests sugar and gives off a foul odor = bad breath, especially after eating or drinking sweets. Next time you reach for a breath mint, make sure it’s sweetened with xylitol and contains NO aspartame! (Some of their products contain harmful processed ‘natural flavors’ and some do not). Read labels carefully.

Tips To Stop Getting Your Teeth Cleaned

So now that you have heard all the benefits, here are some thoughts on how to use it to get the best results.

The University of Washington determined years ago, that the dose for xylitol was between 6 and 10 grams spread out through each day. In their study, plaque disappeared over 6 months time. Every time the mouth is rinsed, it will help alkalize the mouth for some dental benefits.

In adults, you need 6-10 grams (swished in the mouth) spread that out throughout the day in order for it to be effective. For kids, you need 5 grams a day (swished in the mouth), spread out in at least 3 instances. (source)

Strive for at least 5 separate exposures with 1-2 grams xylitol at each exposure (6-10 grams a day). Less than 6 grams a day may not help you.

Aim to swish with xylitol after meals, drinks and snacks to help balance mouth acidity.

My idea of a super simple way to ensure that you get enough xylitol is to add 2 teaspoons (8 grams) of granular xylitol crystals to a tall glass of water and sip this 5 times after meals/snacks through the day. If you do not want to swallow it, you can “Swish and Spit” it out – as long as it coats the teeth and gums for a few minutes.

Xylitol crystals 100% from Birch trees are produced in the US vs. corn xylitol that is manufactured in China.

And, of course, 2 of the 5 required times a day is brushing (morning and evening) with a xylitol toothpaste. My go-to for over 2 years is Himalaya Complete Care Whitening Toothpaste – fluoride-free with perfect ingredients.

If you are looking for a product for your little ones that is safe to swallow (because they usually do), look into Kids All Natural fluoride-free Xylitol Toothpaste and zero natural flavors.

There are also xylitol mints for 1 after each meal. Spry mint ingredients: Xylitol, Calcium Lactate, Magnesium Stearate, Gum Arabic, Natural Cinnamon (or Lemon) Oil, Carnauba Wax. 

Not all xylitol products are created equal and many have added ingredients that will negate the positive effects of the xylitol.  Especially make sure there is NO aspartame. And read the label to see if they use harmful ‘natural flavors’ or just an oil. They vary with product!

Thoughts for Mom and Baby:

Dr. Ellie writes: “The only time that a small amount of xylitol will work to prevent cavities is when it is wiped over an infant’s new teeth. Even a tiny amount can prevent problems for a baby. Older children and adults need more than this and frequency is important. (source)

“When mothers use xylitol (for teeth), they can stop infecting their baby with cavity-forming bacteria, and prevent the transfer of bad teeth throughout generations of a family with bad teeth. In Finland, xylitol is given out at preschool as a public health measure to stop decay in permanent teeth.” (source)

And this post would not be complete without this 1 minute video by Dr. Berg. He has a slightly different, but very simple way to use xylitol.

Are there any downsides to taking xylitol?

Yes, it’s very toxic to animals. So, if you have any xylitol products and you have a really curious pet, typically dogs, you’ve got to keep it stored away in the cupboard. Xylitol also comes in suckers and candy, so you don’t want your child leaving it out and the dog getting into it.

Remember, if you consume too much of it, there’s a chance of gastric side effects such as stomach aches or diarrhea. If used at the recommended very low dose, it’s safe for humans.

“Be true to your teeth and they won’t be false to you.” ~Unknown

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” ~Miguel de Cervantes

***For the Full Spike Protein Protocol to protect from transmission from the “V” and to help those who took the “V”, go here.

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